MICHAEL'S PRIORITIES
Ensuring North Dakota has some of the most secure and transparent elections in the nation while keeping them accessible for every eligible voter.
Under Michael’s leadership, North Dakota was proactive in requiring proof of U.S. citizenship and a valid North Dakota ID for all forms of voting, including absentee ballots. In addition, North Dakota only uses paper ballots and ballot-handling equipment is never connected to the internet, ensuring their security.
North Dakota also protects the integrity of our elections through the implementation of post-election audits, by banning ranked-choice and approval voting, and by ensuring only ballots received by the close of polls on Election Day are counted. Private funding of election administration, often referred to as “Zuckerbucks,” is prohibited by law. These commonsense safeguards protect election integrity, strengthen voter confidence, and ensure every legal vote counts.
Making North Dakota the best state to start, grow and do business.
In 2023 and 2024, Forbes Advisor named North Dakota the best state to start a business, citing low LLC filing fees, a welcoming business climate, high business survival rates, and accessible government services. Michael will work to maintain North Dakota’s standing as a great place to do business by continuing to cut red tape and support a pro-business environment.
Ensuring our natural resources leave a legacy for our children and our grandchildren.
As a member of the Board of University and School Lands, Michael is committed to ensuring North Dakota’s educational trusts, mineral acres, and other assets are managed responsibly and efficiently. In this role, he provides oversight and guidance to support responsible trust land development, strengthen trust funds, and protect long-term value that ensures sustained growth and lasting benefits for the educational and public institutions that rely on these resources.